amazingcosmetics.com). “Our philosophy is less is more,” says co-founder Lisa Thurman. The line, which has been successfully selling through Ulta, Sephora, and its Web site, opens a small storefront boutique in Libertyville on Feb 1st. The company was started in 2000 when Thurman and Sue Katz, who were friends and, at the time, stay-at-home moms, launched the line from their kitchen tables. The business grew largely through guerilla word-of-mouth marketing. The pair put the product into the hands of celebrity makeup artists, which led to celebrity devotees such as Naomi Watts and Cindy Crawford. The line also won spots in the makeup rooms of Sex and the City and The Devil Wears Prada. Sandy Incardona, the company’s sales and marketing guru, says, “This little company in Libertyville is making Hollywood gorgeous.” The line focuses on…

Makeup Mavens Open Shop in Libertyville

Lovely and Amazing

Anyone who has walked away from a cosmetics counter wearing three layers of foundation and clown lips will appreciate the focus on natural beauty at Amazing Cosmetics (601 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville; 847-680-3917, amazingcosmetics.com). “Our philosophy is less is more,” says co-founder Lisa Thurman. The line, which has been successfully selling through Ulta, Sephora, and its Web site, opens a small storefront boutique in Libertyville on Feb 1st. The company was started in 2000 when Thurman and Sue Katz, who were friends and, at the time, stay-at-home moms, launched the line from their kitchen tables. The business grew largely through guerilla word-of-mouth marketing. The pair put the product into the hands of celebrity makeup artists, which led to celebrity devotees such as Naomi Watts and Cindy Crawford. The line also won spots in the makeup rooms of Sex and the City and The Devil Wears Prada. Sandy Incardona, the company’s sales and marketing guru, says, “This little company in Libertyville is making Hollywood gorgeous.” The line focuses on…

By Rebecca Little

Published Jan. 29, 2008

Lovely and Amazing

Anyone who has walked away from a cosmetics counter wearing three layers of foundation and clown lips will appreciate the focus on natural beauty at Amazing Cosmetics (601 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville; 847-680-3917, amazingcosmetics.com). “Our philosophy is less is more,” says co-founder Lisa Thurman. The line, which has been successfully selling through Ulta, Sephora, and its Web site, opens a small storefront boutique in Libertyville on Feb 1st. The company was started in 2000 when Thurman and Sue Katz, who were friends and, at the time, stay-at-home moms, launched the line from their kitchen tables. The business grew largely through guerilla word-of-mouth marketing. The pair put the product into the hands of celebrity makeup artists, which led to celebrity devotees such as Naomi Watts and Cindy Crawford. The line also won spots in the makeup rooms of Sex and the City and The Devil Wears Prada. Sandy Incardona, the company’s sales and marketing guru, says, “This little company in Libertyville is making Hollywood gorgeous.” The line focuses on a pared down product set that includes all the essentials for creating an everyday, natural look: pressed and loose powder, eye shadows, lip glosses, and bronzers. The signature product is the Amazing Concealer ($40), dubbed the “magic eraser” by celebrity makeup artists, which only requires a few dots under the eyes. The Perfectly Amazing kit ($57), which includes four foundation essentials and a helpful, instructional DVD, is worth a splurge. The small storefront, which adjoins their offices in downtown Libertyville, stocks the full line of products and offers makeovers and hands-on trial of products. The bright, sunny space was designed by local Matt Lorenz, the winner of Bravo’s reality design competition, Top Design, and in addition to the makeup, stocks a small selection of other celebrity favored products such as Antica Farmacista fragrances, one of a kind makeup bags from Diego Rocha, and pillows Lorenz designs exclusively for the store.

Top Sales This Week

Need an alternative activity to football this weekend? Pump (1659 W. Division St., 773-384-6750) hosts the third annual, one-day Shoe Per Bowl Party Sales event on Feb. 2rd, with 42 percent off sale items to celebrate Super Bowl XLII.

Pivot (1101 West Fulton Mkt.; 312-243-4754) holds a sale and silent auction on Feb. 4th from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Take an extra 10 percent off sale merchandise (Stewart + Brown cashmere sweaters are marked down to less than $120, and bamboo tunics are $38) or bid on two Linda Loudermilk pieces, including an organic cotton faux fur jacket, originally priced at $1,500. Bids start at $200, and 15 percent of the proceeds will be donated to Growing Home.

The Best of the Rest

After three years in Wicker Park, Jade (1557 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 773-342-5233) is closing its doors, liquidating the inventory, which will be marked down 10 to 75 percent through Feb. 29th. Owner Laura Merlo promises she will open a new venture this summer.

Shop late at Andersonville on Sale on Feb. 1st from 7 to 11 p.m., with boutiques on and around Clark Street offering merchandise at discounts of up to 70 percent. Participating restaurants will also offer discounts for the night. Call the Chamber of Commerce at 773-728-2995 for more information.

Take 40 to 70 percent off all fall/winter apparel throughout February at Guise (2217 N. Halsted St.; 773-929-6101).

For a limited time, local artist Dolan Geiman creates Valentine Lovebirds, available at Sacred Art (2040 W. Roscoe St.; 773-404-8790). The two silkscreened birds are available Feb. 1st through 17th. Meet Geiman at an artist’s reception on Feb. 7th from 6 to 9 p.m.

Green Grocer Chicago (1402 W. Grand Ave.; 312-624-9508), a new grocery stocked with organic products and locally grown produce, has officially opened its doors. Preview the products at greengrocerchicago.com.

Twenty-five percent of sales from selected body and skincare products at Continuum Studio (5671 N. Clark St.; 773-728-7883) benefit the pediatric HIV/AIDS program at Children’s Memorial Hospital throughout the month of February.